Post World war 2 period exhibited an era of institutionalisation and significant shifts in global diplomacy that was shaped by the preeminent global power , which contributed in the structure of global governance in the aftermath of WW2 i.e the United States. The period after the war set a stage for “ American century “ in which U.S not only contributed to global political and economic agendas but also focused on maintaining its alliances which fortified its hegemonic position. However, the recent decades mark a gradual shift in the hegemonic position of US, with the rise in multipolarity. The rise of new power centres like China and Russia alongside the growing diplomatic and economic influence of regional organisations like European Union (EU) , signal a shift towards a multipolar world. This shift is also evident in the US-China trade wars, resurgence of Russia’s diplomacy in the Middle-east and the EU’s role in global governance.
Diminishing U.S influence in global arena:
Traditionally, US has had an influence in global institutions like the United Nations (UN), International Monetary fund (IMF) and world trade organisation (WTO). This influence has been economically and politically challenged by Russia’s resurgence as a military and geopolitical actor and with the rise of China in the economic hub. The US faces significant threats from these actors and is in competition virtually in every global platform, this leads to the idea that global power no longer exclusively belongs in Washington now. China is having a rapid economic rise with the goal to surpass US and become an economic power till 2030 alongside Russia which is politically asserting itself as the key actor in Middle Eastern conflicts , challenging US influence in regions where it once held autonomy.
The past few decades have had a transformative flux in China’s economy, giving it access to global markets and making it a major global power. China has invested billions in infrastructural projects like Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC. Through infrastructural investment in regions like Africa, Asia and Europe it has sought to extend its influence in global markets. The BRI project by China which is often characterised as a modern equivalent to Silk Road creating a network of trade routes spanning over 140 countries is not just an economic but also a diplomatic tool to maximise its strength. China has positioned BRI as a win-win model for global development through which it aims to strengthen its bilateral relations and ensures its access to global markets.
In addition to economic rise, China has also increased its participation in global institutions aiming to reshape the global governance system to fulfil its interests.China is a permanent member of the UNSC and holds a veto power which it uses strategically while also promoting its principle of non-intervention in the domestic political affairs of other countries unlike the US which holds a more interventionist approach.
Russia, on the other hand is set to reassert itself as a global major power under the presidency of Vladamir Putin by using its military and diplomatic tactics. There is no doubt that the economic conditions and military might of Russia is lesser than both China and the US but its willingness to use hard power has made it a key actor in global politics specifically in regions where the US influence has receded i.e the Middle east and Eastern Europe. Russia is geared up to challenge the US led global order by making moves like annexation of Crimea and the military intervention in Syria. Russia is also using energy diplomacy in its control over gas supplies in Europe which has provided it with a leverage over key US alliances in Eastern European region. In addition to its role in Syria, Russia has cultivated relationships with other key actors in the Middle East, including Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. By positioning itself as a mediator in regional conflicts and offering military and economic support, Russia has managed to expand its influence in a region traditionally dominated by U.S. diplomacy.
European Union’s role in multilateralism:
The EU remains a crucial actor in global diplomacy with its 27 members, it represents one of the largest economic bloc and holds significant diplomatic hold in areas such as trade, climate change and human rights. EU holds a diplomatic approach which emphasises on multilateralism and rule of law. It is a key player in the global climate activism by holding initiatives like Paris Peace agreement which the US withdrew from under President Trump, the EU now stands on forefronts of climate activism promoting global environmental standards and sustainable development. It also uses its economic strength to promote law and human rights through trade agreements to introduce reforms in countries like Turkiye and Egypt. Furthermore it has created an economic bloc with countries like Japan and Canada strengthening its economic ties and providing an alternative to US dominated trade routes. It also challenges the laissez-faire doctrine of US in digital governance by advocating for regulations in digital governance by introduction of reforms like General Data Protection Regulation Act (GDPR), which has set gold standards of digital governance placing EU at odds with the US.
The EU is reshaping the approach of global order by challenging US policies and its ways of asserting influence marking the gradual shift of US from unilateralism to multilateralism. Additionally, it is also participating in diplomatic relations with international organisations like united nations to promote peace and diplomacy over military and humanitarian interventions which challenges US traditionally dominant role in international security and global governance.
Multipolar realities ; shaping the fragmented global order
With the increase in multipolarity the existing structures of global governance will have to re-align themselves to accommodate the interests of new emerging powers like Brazil, India China. The current and sole institutions of global governance UN, WTO, and IMF do not necessarily fulfil these challenges and are largely shaped by western powers in particular the US. These institutions due to their shortcomings are facing criticism and challenges to remain relevant and effective in a new global era where non-western powers demand a prominent role in shaping global rules and norms. The multipolar world is also witnessing an impact of middle powers in the global governance structure where countries like Canada, Australia and Japan are playing a prominent role in global diplomacy by acting as mediators and bridge- builders in international conflicts they are maintaining their position. These countries are also involved in economic development forums by promoting and advocating for free trade agreements like the Asia-Pacific region where Japan is actively playing its role.
New kinds of diplomacy have also resulted from the emergence of multipolarity. Global relations are being shaped by public diplomacy, digital diplomacy, and economic diplomacy more and more. For instance, the way diplomatic messages are sent and received has changed as a result of diplomats and world leaders using social media. Similarly, as the world’s economies become more interdependent, the significance of trade agreements, development assistance, and economic sanctions as diplomatic tools has grown.
Conclusion:
With the shift of global order from unilateralism to multilateralism requires a fundamental change in global diplomacy. With the decrease in US hegemony there is an emergence of other power centres with their unique diplomatic strategies and goals. The rise of China, the resurgence of Russia, and the continued importance of the European Union are reshaping global alliances and challenging traditional power dynamics. The increasing global climate changes , cyber threats and economic inequality are major issues which cannot be ignored. Moreover, the role of digital diplomacy and the role of non-state actors MNCs and NGOs are becoming increasingly important in the global context which also require immediate attention. This complex and interconnected global dynamics requires diplomacy to evolve and address the challenges of multipolarity along with the introduction of new forms of global governance, strategies to inculcate the strengths of middle powers and a shift from traditional diplomatic tools to innovative diplomatic tools.
The future of global diplomacy is perhaps uncertain but, one thing that is certain is that the unilateral world order established by the US is giving way to a new era of multipolarity. States are steadily being replaced by a more competitive and fragmented international system. In this new wave of multipolarity, diplomacy will have to be more innovative, adoptive and inclusive to address the concerns of the 21st century.
